how does a motorcycle helmet protect?

how does a motorcycle helmet protect?

Helmets offer two types of protection. The outer shell protects against puncture and abrasion - without it your skin and bone of your head would be scrapping across the road. The inner liner absorbs shock energy by slowly collapsing under impact - if not for this absorption all of the energy from a crash would be transferred to your head instead. The shell and liner sacrifice themselves by spreading the forces of impact throughout the helmet material opposed to the energy being directed to your head. That's why, in most cases, if a helmet has been dropped or damaged in an accident, it may be of little protective value after the fact.

A properly certified helmet is mandatory in most areas, but not all. Just remember, impacts to the head are not any softer in areas without helmet laws.

There are four main protective elements a helmet offers that you should check:

• the outer shell
• a shock-absorbing liner
• a comfort liner of soft foam and fabric
• a chin strap or other retention system

the outer shell

The outer shell is made up of either fiberglass or injection molded plastic.

Helmets made of injection molded plastic are generally light and cheap. It may also have a shorter life expectancy. It is susceptible to damage caused by painting or adding decals that are applied to its surface as it changes the chemical composition of the material. Damage can also occur if it is stored near gasoline, cleaning fluids, or exhaust fumes. The user should carefully read any and all information supplied by the manufacturer with these helmets.

Fiberglass helmets are typically more expensive than injected molded helmets,however they are much stronger and are able to be painted and have decals added to them without any detrimental effects. Fiberglass helmets delaminate on impact to absorb shock and as such they will break or become damaged if they withstand an accident or sustain a severe drop onto a hard surface.

shock-absorbing liner

The helmet liner is made of expanded polystyrene foam (or "Styrofoam"). It functions by spreading impact energy outward throughout the material. The more impact energy that the liner can absorb, the less impact energy is transferred to the head.

comfort liner

A comfort liner is material to make your helmet, well - more comfortable. It offers protection against your skin especially for the act of putting on / taking off your helmet.

chin strap

A properly fitting chin strap is essential in ensuring your helmet does what it is designed to do and stays on your head.

how to size a motorcycle helmet

Now that you know how a motorcycle helmet protects we will now go over how to properly size a helmet for your head.